As we ring in the new year, it’s time to revitalize your fantasy basketball roster and make a resolution to dominate your league. Week 11’s waiver wire offers a fresh start and a chance to discover hidden gems that can propel your team to victory. Whether you’re seeking a breakout star to ignite a winning streak or a consistent contributor to solidify your lineup, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s explore the top pickups and help you start 2025 with a bang.
We’ll look at players you should consider picking up who are rostered in four different roster tiers:
- 50-60%
- 30-49%
- 15-29%
- 0-14%.
What’s more, I’ll give you a breakdown of how many games each team has for the upcoming week, so you can maximize the minutes of your streamers. Without further ado, let’s dissect the waiver wire, starting with the game schedule for next week.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball expert consensus rankings
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 11)
Four games:
BOS, CLE, DEN, GSW, LAC, LAL, NOP, NYK, OKC, PHI, SAC, UTA, WAS
Three games:
ATL, BKN, CHA, CHI, DAL, DET, HOU, IND, MEM, MIA, MIL, MIN, ORL, POR, SAS, TOR
Two games:
PHX
Rostered in 50-60% of Leagues
Khris Middleton (SG, SF – MIL)
Khris Middleton is back, and his recent performances have him looking like the All-Star caliber player we’ve come to expect. As he continues to ramp up his minutes following an injury-plagued start to the season, Middleton is showcasing his offensive prowess and reminding everyone why he’s such a special player. He’s recorded 21 points in three consecutive games, displaying his scoring versatility and efficiency.
Middleton is a smooth operator with a silky smooth jump shot and a knack for getting to his spots on the floor. He’s a threat from all three levels, capable of knocking down threes, hitting mid-range jumpers and finishing at the rim. Beyond his scoring, Middleton is also contributing in other areas, averaging 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists over his last three games.
Trey Murphy III (SG, SF – NOP)
It’s not often we feature a player twice in our waiver wire recommendations, but Trey Murphy’s performance warrants a repeat appearance. Given his production, it’s amazing he remains rostered in fewer than 60% of ESPN leagues and is rostered in just a mere 5% of Yahoo leagues. Over his last three games, Murphy has been a force for the New Orleans Pelicans, ranking second on the team in usage rate while averaging a stellar 25.7 points (including four three-pointers), 4.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.
Murphy is a dynamic scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to attack the basket. He’s a threat from beyond the arc, capable of getting hot and raining threes. He’s also shown improvement in his playmaking and rebounding.
Rostered in 30-49% of Leagues
Bilal Coulibaly (SG, SF – WAS)
Bilal Coulibaly is starting to turn heads in his sophomore season, and his recent performances suggest he’s taking a significant leap forward. While he can be streaky at times, Coulibaly has shown drastic improvements in his game, particularly in his scoring efficiency and playmaking ability. He’s attacking the basket with more confidence, finishing through contact and showcasing an improved jump shot. Coulibaly has also demonstrated better court awareness and passing skills, creating opportunities for his teammates.
This development has translated into impressive fantasy production. In his last seven games, Coulibaly is averaging 19.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game, showcasing his well-rounded contributions.
Jeremy Sochan has seamlessly transitioned back into the San Antonio Spurs’ lineup following his return from a thumb injury. In 11 games this month, Sochan has averaged 14.6 points and 9.3 rebounds while shooting an efficient 56% from the field. He’s been a force on the boards, consistently crashing the glass.
Sochan’s impact is further highlighted by his four double-doubles during this stretch. He’s a versatile forward who can score in a variety of ways, and his rebounding prowess provides a solid foundation for fantasy production.
Rostered in 15-29% of Leagues
Goga Bitadze is proving to be a valuable asset for the injury-plagued Orlando Magic. Bitadze has stepped up and delivered impressive performances. He’s recorded a double-double in four out of his last five games, showcasing his ability to dominate the boards and contribute offensively.
Bitadze is a skilled big man with a soft touch around the rim and a knack for cleaning up the glass. He’s averaging 12.1 points, 11 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game this month, providing a consistent source of points, rebounds and rim protection.
Rostered in 0-14% of Leagues
Spencer Dinwiddie (PG, SG – DAL)
With Luka Doncic sidelined for an extended period due to a left calf strain, Spencer Dinwiddie has a golden opportunity to showcase his skills and become a key contributor for the Dallas Mavericks. In the 10 games Doncic has missed this season, Dinwiddie’s role has expanded significantly, with his minutes increasing from 19 per game to 28.5. He’s stepped up to the challenge, averaging 14.3 points, 5.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds in those contests.
Dinwiddie is a crafty veteran guard with a knack for scoring and creating opportunities for his teammates. He’s a capable ball-handler, a reliable shooter and a willing passer. With Doncic out of the lineup, Dinwiddie is poised to take on a larger role in the Mavericks’ offense, making him a valuable target for fantasy managers in need of a boost in scoring and assists.
With Luka Donic sidelined due to injury, Quentin Grimes is stepping into a more prominent role for the Dallas Mavericks and becoming an intriguing fantasy option. In the nine games Grimes has played without Doncic this season, his minutes have jumped from 18 to 27 per game and his production has followed suit. In those contests, he’s averaged 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds.
Grimes is a talented young guard with a smooth shooting stroke and a knack for finding open space. He’s a threat from beyond the arc and has shown the ability to attack the basket and finish at the rim. He’s also a capable defender who can guard multiple positions, making him a valuable asset in category leagues. As long as Doncic remains out, Grimes is poised to continue seeing significant minutes and opportunities to shine.
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